MNRE Constitutes Expert Committee to Review ALMM List-II Exemption Extension Requests

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has formally established a central expert committee to evaluate project-specific requests for commissioning extensions beyond the May 31, 2026, deadline. This administrative action follows the ministry’s decision to maintain the implementation timeline for the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-II, which mandates the use of domestically manufactured solar PV cells. In alignment with an Office Memorandum from the Department of Expenditure concerning the West Asia situation—categorized as a “war” condition—the ministry has shifted from a blanket extension policy to a case-by-case review mechanism. This framework provides a relief window of two to four months for eligible net-metering and open-access projects to safeguard investments already made in the sector.

Application Process and Submission Protocol

To maintain administrative transparency and efficiency, the ministry has mandated an exclusively digital submission process. All renewable energy developers seeking time extensions and ALMM List-II exemptions must utilize the dedicated online portal developed by the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE).

Submission Checklist

• Portal URL: solardcrportal.nise.res.in
• Mandatory Deadline: June 30, 2026.
• Submission Type: Digital-only (Physical applications will not be entertained).
• Eligibility Scope: Projects where solar module installation is complete but commissioning is pending, or those demonstrating substantial implementation steps. Objective assessment criteria include land acquisition, financial closure, connectivity arrangements, approval of electrical drawings, and the arrival or installation of modules.

Central Expert Committee Composition

The central review panel consists of four members representing key national energy and research organizations. This committee is responsible for verifying technical claims and providing project-wise recommendations.

Decentralization and State-Level Oversight

For solar projects with a capacity of up to 10 MW (AC), the MNRE has delegated review and decision-making authority to State and Union Territory (UT) governments.

• Competent Authority: The Senior-most Secretary of the relevant state department (Power, Energy, or Renewable Energy) serves as the approving authority.
• Administrative Mandate: States and UTs are required to constitute their own four-member expert committees within five working days of the order.
• Panel Seniority:
  • The committee must be headed by an officer of Chief Engineer level or above.
  • In the event a Chief Engineer is unavailable, an officer not below the rank of Superintending Engineer may lead.
  • As a final administrative fallback, an Executive Engineer level officer may be appointed to the committee in cases where senior ranks are unavailable.

Verification, Inspection, and Certification

Verification Workflow The evaluation process consists of an objective assessment of documentary proof provided through the NISE portal. The central or state-level expert committees, or other designated administrative agencies, are authorized to conduct physical field inspections as per operational necessity to verify project status. While the committees offer technical recommendations, the final decision for central cases remains subject to the formal approval of the Secretary, MNRE. This case-by-case scrutiny is intended to address specific disruptions caused by the West Asia situation while ensuring adherence to domestic manufacturing goals.

Certification Outcomes Approved projects will receive a unique, digitally generated “ALMM List-II Exemption Certificate” through the portal, specifying the issuing authority and the revised validity period. Projects that fail to meet the technical or documentary criteria will receive a digitally generated response outlining the specific reasons for rejection. Note: Residential net-metering consumers participating in the “Give It Up” campaign under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana are exempt from ALMM List-II requirements until the end of the scheme on March 31, 2027, provided they apply through the scheme’s National Portal.